Trump: New ObamaCare repeal does cover pre-existing conditions

President Trump argued Wednesday that the latest Republican effort to repeal much of ObamaCare does include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

“I would not sign Graham-Cassidy if it did not include coverage of pre-existing conditions. It does! A great Bill. Repeal & Replace,” Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to the legislation being pushed by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

The comment from the president comes after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel slammed Cassidy for failing “the Jimmy Kimmel test,” a phrase Cassidy created himself during previous efforts to repeal ObamaCare. The senator in May said any effort to repeal and replace the health-care law must pass “the Jimmy Kimmel test,” a nod to Kimmel’s plea about pre-existing conditions as he revealed that his son was born with a heart defect.

{mosads}The new legislation would repeal much of ObamaCare by converting funds for certain provisions into block grants to states. It would also enable states to waive the rule within ObamaCare that protects individuals with pre-existing conditions from being charged higher premiums because of the illness.

“Your child with the pre-existing condition will get the care he needs if — and only if — his father is Jimmy Kimmel. Otherwise, you might be screwed,” Kimmel said Tuesday night.

“Not only did Bill Cassidy fail the Jimmy Kimmel test, he failed the Bill Cassidy test. He failed his own test,” he said.